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A pilot study on the antibodies to HHV-6 variants and HHV-7 in CSF of MS patients
J Ongrádi1, C Rajda, C L Maródi
1National Institute of Dermato-Venereology, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
In the possible role for human herpesviruses (HHV) in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) neither clear distinction between the two variants of HHV-6, nor the involvement of HHV-7 have been described. Therefore, we quantitated HHV-6 variant specific and HHV-7 reacting antibodies in the CSF of 13 patients with MS or other neurological disorders by ELISA. Predominance in the positivity of IgG (67%) and IgM (44%) to HHV-6B over that of IgG (44%) with no detectable IgM to HHV-6A, and no antibodies to HHV-7 were found in the CSF of MS patients. None of these antibodies were found in the CSF of controls. This suggests that, intrathecal chronic active or primary HHV-6B infection might contribute to MS progression, while the local effects of HHV-6A and HHV-7 seem to be less important.
Insights
Human herpesvirus-6B (HHV-6B) antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid suggest a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. HHV-6A and HHV-7 appear less involved in MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- The role of human herpesviruses (HHV) in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis remains unclear.
- Distinguishing between HHV-6 variants and assessing HHV-7 involvement is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify HHV-6 variant-specific and HHV-7 antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients.
- To investigate the potential contribution of specific HHV infections to MS.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies.
- CSF samples from 13 MS patients and controls were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A predominance of IgG (67%) and IgM (44%) antibodies to HHV-6B was observed in MS patients' CSF.
- IgG antibodies to HHV-6A (44%) were detected, but no IgM antibodies.
- No antibodies to HHV-7 were found in MS patients or controls.
Conclusions:
- Intrathecal, chronic active, or primary HHV-6B infection may contribute to MS progression.
- The local impact of HHV-6A and HHV-7 in MS appears less significant.
